02/24/2026
There are 8 limbs of yoga - and it’s not just poses and shapes you arrive in at a class!!
Once you acknowledge these different branches and put them to use, you are living yoga on and off the mat.
It is common for someone to maybe practice one or more limbs more than others at different stages of their life or practice. Maybe starting out with asana and later realizing there is more than just movement. Once they are all aligned though, it brings a different layer of peace and connection to the self and Dharma (purpose)
1. Yamas - principles for our behavior in the world
2. Niyamas - spiritual observances
3. Asanas - postures / poses
4. Pranayama - control of the breath
5. Pratyahara - sense withdrawal of the outside world to turn inward
6. Dharana - concentration - disciplining the mind to observe
7. Dhyana - meditation
8. Samadhi - enlightenment
Although you may only visually recognize the movement in class setting, know that through that movement all these other limbs are being performed to achieve alignment and connection (mind - body)
Arriving in Pincha - like you see in the first slide took a long time for me to achieve. And I’d still like to have better alignment !! But point being, this asana, took more than physical strength, it takes prep in the body and mind. It’s been so fun playing around and deepening my connection to myself through the process. Focusing on how the breath moves and being patient. To me, part of yoga is staying playful, and honest (satya) to myself with where I am today! I hope you are able to feel the same.
Curious - when did you take a class or practice yoga when it clicked that it’s more than the movement ?